[Introduced January 25, 2012; referred to the Committee on
Government Organization; and then to the Committee on the
Judiciary.]

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A BILL to amend and reenact §62-12-12 of the Code of West Virginia,
1931, as amended, relating to qualification of members of the
Parole Board.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That §62-12-12 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended,
be amended and reenacted to read as follows:

ARTICLE 12. PROBATION AND PAROLE.

§62-12-12. Parole board generally.

There shall be a state board of parole, known as the "West
Virginia Parole Board". The board shall consist of nine members,
each of whom shall have been a resident of this state for at least
five consecutive years prior to his or her appointment. No more
than five of the board members may at any one time belong to the
same political party. The board shall be appointed by the
Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Appointments following the effective date of this section shall be
made in such a manner that each congressional district is
represented and so that no more than four and no less than two
members of the board reside in any one congressional district. No
more than two members of the board may reside in any one county.
Each member of the board shall have a degree in criminal justice,
social work, sociology, psychology or like experience and academic
training and shall be otherwise competent to perform the duties of
his or her office. The members shall be appointed for overlapping
terms of six years. Any member qualified under this section is
eligible for reappointment. The members of the board shall devote
their full time and attention to their board duties. The Governor
shall appoint one of the nine appointed members to serve as
chairperson at the Governor’s will and pleasure.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to expand the educational
degree qualifications for members of the board of parole.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from
the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would
be added.